CHAPTER 3: The Duel Between Them

Colter

Vikalyn, Kingdom of Howard

Colter was being watched.

There was something about what his brother mentioned yesterday that dawned on him. 

"Colter, haven’t you learned by now that I always have eyes and ears on everything? The moment you stepped out of the palace doors, I already knew where you’re going."

That bastard, he thought. Gian seems to get off on Colter's mishaps. Ever since he got back from the forest yesterday, Colter could not shake the feeling that unseen eyes seemed to follow him wherever he went.

He was in the forest once again, but this time he was in Vikalyn, a lush, green forest located in the eastern part of the Kingdom. After accidentally running into The Queen in the gardens, he locked himself in his room and spent the night reading books about the unexplored areas in the Kingdom. He had made it a hobby to research on those uncharted regions and mark them on an old map he found in the Palace's grand library. Colter found it strange that his father, a stickler, had not ensured the Kingdom's jurisdiction and had it recorded.

Vikalyn was one of those hidden gems and he sought to explore it as soon as dawn broke.  

The trek to Vikalyn was treacherous. Colter now understood why this place had never been visited before. The path was unclear. It wasn't even a path to begin with. There were brambles and fallen branches strewn across the forest floor.

Colter was relieved that he didn't take Nimrod with him, his trusty steed, or else he would be dealing with a temperamental companion. Julian certainly did not need that right now.

After hours of removing the obstruction on the way, Colter reached a small clearing. The trees around him were thick and they towered over his head, leaving only small gaps between the leaves and branches to let the light shine through. He had no way of tracking the time he spent walking into the wilderness, but it seemed like darkness had fallen.

The stillness around him made him wary. Ever since he plunged deeper into the woodlands, the temperature has dropped and the nagging feeling of being watched is there.

Colter thought that it was risky for him to be out here, vulnerable in the open. He didn't know what creatures lie within the shadows and all the other dangers of Vikalyn. It was untouched for a reason after all.

There were trunks scattered throughout the clearing. He examined the one closest to him and determined that it had fallen for quite some time. He lightly placed a finger on the bark and as soon as he touched it, a portion crumbled on his feet.

It was not safe to put some weight on it, therefore he went around to look at the other trunks and found one not so far away from the tiny ray of light that helped me see in the dim surroundings.

As soon as he sat down, he retired his satchel and scabbard onto the forest floor. He took out his canteen and drank the cool water within as a thought occurred to him.

If this part of the Kingdom was not known to Ecanus as it was not part of the published map of the Kingdom of Howard, then therefore, he could make this discovery his own. Colter finally found a place where he could be alone with his thoughts. He can be free from the pressure of the King's presence and the public.

Colter suddenly felt a lightness in his chest. It's been a long time since he felt this way. He tried racking his brain for a similar feeling during his childhood, but the closest he could remember was when the King was away for a trip to a distant realm. The entire Kingdom was under the reign of the Queen for some time. Colter would spend days with his mother, trying to learn under her tutelage.

That memory brought inspiration to him. He could be free. Even for a while.

He snapped his finger and a small fireball appeared in his hands. He willed the fireball to grow bigger. Conjuring fire has never been difficult for Colter. Controlling it howver, was a different story.

Although, his tutors at the Palace would often tell him stories about the few Fotiá-Ecanus, Pyropaths, having a hard time harnessing the talent. But for Colter, it comes as easy as breathing air.

Fire is a powerful element. It can destroy or give life. Colter was always reminded how important it was for him to control his power. However, for some reasons he could not explain, the training given to him had always left him feeling drained and not exactly empowered.

With the new-found energy to master his ability, he threw the fireball on a fallen tree trunk across him. It immediately caught fire and suddenly, light flooded the entire clearing.

Colter smiled. He felt the rush of power. It was intoxicating. He pointed toward the burning tree trunk and commanded the fire to burn brighter. There was tingling in his hands but it was relaxing, kind, warm and inviting, just like the fire he created.

He could get used to this kind of isolation.

Little did Colter know that Gian had followed him into Vikalyn and was watching him from the shadows all this time. As soon as Colter left at dawn, he went after him. It was true what Gian said yesterday. He knew it when Colter would leave the Palace and where he would go. It was all thanks to the whispers of the trees and grass. This is how Gian would know all the things going on in the Kingdom.

He knew that his brother was up to no good and it was his mission to prove to the King that Colter did not deserve the talent he received. Undoubtedly, the King had a good reason why he gave Gian such a passive talent, being a Geopath. But he could not help feeling useless compared to his brother.

Fire symbolizes eternity. Its power is revered all across Howard. Only a few select Ecanus was given the gift and Gian could not fathom as to why his brother was given such a gift when he was the first-born.

Colter was weak. He lacked the qualities of being a strong leader, something that they both need to uphold in order to continue their father's legacy. And besides, Gian trained under the best tutors in the Kingdom. He was the first to be introduced to the entire Ecanus as the heir-apparent. He deserved to be a Pyropath.

Seeing the smile on Colter's face as he did his little fire show, made Gian's jealousy burned even more. He was consumed with hatred towards his brother.

That should have been mine, he thought to himself as he walked towards the light. One of these days, I'll find a way to take you down.

Colter felt a presence behind him. Without thinking twice, his hands tingled and a ball of fire appeared. He quickly stood up and turned around. He was surprised and at the same time alarmed to see Gian, of all people, walking towards him in a leisurely gait. His good-for-nothing brother had no other thing to do but tail him and purposely make his life more miserable than it already is. He did not understand why Gian was so obsessed with catching him making mistakes and running to their father like a petty schoolboy.

He dissipated his fireball but did not let his guard down. With Gian around, he had this constant need to be cautious. Nothing good ever comes out with his brother.

"Why are you here?" Colter asked as he sat back down on the trunk and gathered all his things to prepare for the trip back to the Palace.

"Stand up," Gian snarled as he drew his sword and pointed it towards Colter's back.

The sound of the steel sword being drawn, caused the hairs on Colter's back to rise. Is this what Gian was planning all along? To shadow him and get a chance to kill him?

"What are you doing here, Gian?" Colter's voice remained calm but in his mind, his brother was acting stranger than usual.

"I said stand up!" Gian roared. "Don't make me repeat myself."

Ever since he got here, the stillness that surrounded the forest was now replaced with life. It was as if the forest was openly watching them and waiting with bated breath. All that can be heard now was Gian's ragged breath and the warm crackling fire he made.

Colter had always encountered stand-offs with Gian but this time it felt different. His heart was beating so hard and fast that he could feel it in his throat. Various near-death experiences were all bland compared to this. 

He was now thinking of ways on how to escape. Flying would not be a plausible solution since Gian could easily manipulate the branches to drag him back down. And the fact that Gian could fly too, he could easily catch up to Colter.

Perhaps, he could outsmart Gian. Colter knew that he was no match for Gian when it came to swordfighting. Gian had been training even longer than him and Colter always found excuses not to attend his sword lessons.

Colter took a deep breath and stood back up. He turned around to find Gian's sword just inches from his chin. "What is this all about?"

Gian's eyes flashed with anger, something Colter could not comprehend. Why was he mad at him?

"Pick up your sword and let's have a duel."

Colter was slightly taken a back but he did not dare let it show. "I have no time for you or your games, Gian."

"You wouldn't want to disappoint King Malik now, would you?" Gian sneered. "A prince never backs down from a challenge, Colter. Or have you forgotten what father said about us having to prove ourselves to become the rightful heir to the throne?"

As annoying and holier-than-thou his brother was, he was right. Colter could remember that day as if it was yesterday. The King had always drilled into their young minds that the most effective way to prove your claim to the throne was with a duel. Although, he was confused as to why Gian was so adamant about proving that he was stronger than Colter. Colter's chances of ascent to kingship were slim to none.

"You know," Colter bent down and picked up his scabbard. He clasped it on his sword belt and drew his sword. " This would be a waste of both our times."

Gian smiled eerily. "No worries, brother. I've got all the time in the world."

Colter knew he was at a disadvantage. Gian played dirty at swordfights and he actually wanted to win this one time in order to shut him up.

His brother's smile widened as Colter took a step back and raised his sword in front of him, taking in the dueling stance. Since no one was around to stop them when things took the wrong turn, Colter was prepared for the worst.

"Yes, be a good boy for once and show me what you're capable of." Gian said as he lunged forward, hunger evident in his silver eyes.

Colter parried Gian's sword with enough force just in time. If he had been a second slower, Gian could have gotten a decent cut out of him.

"Running a bit slow, aren't we?"

That remark irked Colter more, so he dashed forward and did a wide swing. Gian effortlessly side-steps him and elbowed Colter's back as he misses that shot.

Colter hissed at his misstep. He was really pissed off now. He straightened up and recovered his bearing. He faced his brother once more and advanced to attack.

It seemed that Gian knew his next move as he deflected the blade in the correct direction and counter-attacked with a slice. Colter leaped back and returned to feign an attack, but Gian was quick on his feet to pivot and let Colter stumble forward on the forest floor.

"Come on now, little brother. Even a servant has better skills than you." Gian circled Colter, who was still catching his breath on the ground.

Gian kicked Colter on his side causing him to roll and lie flat on his back. Colter was sweating profusely now and it wasn't because of the tussle. It was because of the steam ensuing from his body. He knew that Gian was savoring this moment. He always liked it when Colter was down on the ground and helpless.

He was getting nowhere with Gian and that made him even more mad. He stood up and once again, sword raised, and charged at his brother.

Before he could take another step, Colter felt roots slink their way up to his ankles and legs, preventing him from moving. This is what he meant by Gian playing dirty.

"What's the matter? You need a little help with that?" Gian taunted.

Colter slashed the roots with his sword but more took over the place. He met Gian's eyes and the malice was as pure as the moonlight.

If he wanted to play with fire, Gian could have just said so.

Colter snarled and snapped his fingers. Gian, who seemed to have thought about this in advance, proceeded to direct the roots higher and clasped both of his wrists. His sword clanked to the ground as he struggled to break free.

Gian tutted him. "Now, now. We wouldn't want to cause another forest fire. There may be no one nearby, but these trees are over a thousand years old. You wouldn't want to raze our father's Kingdom to the ground." Gian moved closer to Colter and whispererd. "That would put the cherry on top of your chance of becoming the King."

The roots were slowly climbing up his legs and arms, anchoring him to the ground.

"Why don't you just end it, right here and right now?" Colter panted. He had trouble seeing as the wisps of steam thickened.

"And end my entertainment just like that?" Gian smiled. "I don't think so."

"Free me from these and fight like a real man." Colter growled.

"What makes you think that you are worthy of being a real man? You're just a boy and a lousy one at that." Gian circled him like hawk, spewing insults at him.

Colter had just about enough of it. He let the tingle travel throughout his body and channeled all of his anger and directed the fire in him to his arms and legs, which caused the roots to disintegrate into ashes. It made Gian leap backward and hoist his sword at chest level.

Gian was in shock at the sight of his brother on fire. He was in complete awe and at the same time envious of the marvelous power of a Pyropath.

"You want to play with fire? You're going to get it." Colter said in a low voice. He fashioned a sword out of fire and rushed his brother.

Colter felt the adrenaline and power coursing through his blood. His renewed energy gave him a massive boost. He slashed and sliced at Gian and all his brother could do was dodge and parry his attacks away.

For the first time, Colter saw fear in Gian's eyes. Fear, astonishment and resentment. All those emotions mixed together were not a good combination as Gian's defense was weakening. His dodges and counter-attacked were getting slower. This, in return, made Colter dance around his brother's moves like a maniac. He was all for the offensive now.

Gian made a fatal mistake of deflecting an attack too early that caused him a blow to his chest by Colter's flaming false edge.

He fell over, sweating and panting hard. The front of his waistcoat was signed but it did not burn through the material.

Colter loomed over Gian, his grip tightening on his fiery sword. Gian looked like a mess, another first for him. He made a move to strike down but a voice stopped him.

"That's enough."

King Malik's sharp voice cut through the glade. Both boys looked up, expecting to see the King. However, it was just an apparition.

"Both of you, head back to the Palace now." King Malik said sternly and his projection had disappeared as quickly as it manifested.

Colter redirected the flames away from his body and contained them in an orange orb. He absorbed it and felt the familiar tingle fade into a hum in his hands.

He reached out his hand to help his brother up but Gian nudged it away and stood up indignantly on his own. Without looking at Colter, he turned around and took flight.

Colter was left alone in the clearing once again with even more things to think about.